Crypto PAC Spends $11.4 Million Opposing Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate Race

Crypto PAC spends — A cryptocurrency industry-backed political action committee has reported spending over $11 million on media opposing Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and supporting his Republican opponent, Jon Husted, in Ohio.

According to a Thursday filing with the Federal Election Commission, the Defend American Jobs PAC, affiliated with the Coinbase– and Ripple Labs-backed Fairshake group, spent $11.4 million. This expenditure is part of Fairshake’s initial pledge to commit $30 million in the Ohio race, targeting Brown, a former Senate Banking Committee chair known for his skepticism toward pro-crypto legislation.

A spokesperson for Husted’s campaign told Cointelegraph that Brown faces an “onslaught of ads,” while Brown stated in a previous interview that his goal is to ensure cryptocurrency “expands opportunity” without putting Ohioans at risk. The 2024 Ohio Senate race saw crypto-aligned groups spend approximately $41 million, contributing to Brown’s defeat.

The current spending highlights the crypto industry’s continued focus on influencing key regulatory voices in Congress. The Ohio Senate seat became vacant after JD Vance ascended to the Vice Presidency, and Governor Mike DeWine appointed Husted.